Decant policy

24.1    Suitable alternative accommodation means accommodation which provides the tenant with equivalent security of tenure and is similar in regards to rent, size, situation etc. as required under Schedule 2, Part III of the Housing Act 1988 and meets the tenants’ needs as set out in WHBC’s Allocation Policy.

24.2    Where the tenant is currently under occupying, they will normally be offered a smaller property that meets their current needs. However, the Exceptional Circumstances Panel will consider cases where a transfer would be quicker than a decant. This would be unusual as a permanent decant will be directly offered alternative accommodation. 

24.3    Where larger accommodation is needed, the tenants will be signed post to apply for a transfer. 

24.4    Wherever possible, we will offer like for like, in that we will try not to move tenants from a house to a flat or from a flat to a house, but this depends on the availability of properties in the local area and whether it would unreasonably delay the planned works. A flat may be on a different floor from the tenant's existing property. However, it will meet tenants' and households' mobility and access needs.

24.5    We will consider the tenant's stated preferences in terms of location and proximity to relatives or schools, but the property will be deemed suitable if it is of the appropriate size and WHBC considers it a reasonable travel distance to the tenant and partner's place of work.

24.6    Where the tenant has adult children permanently living with them who have expressed a wish to live independently and are unable to find a large enough property, separate alternative accommodation may be offered to the adult child or children by agreement.

24.7    If the tenant refuses two offers of suitable alternative accommodation or refuses to move at all, WHBC will take appropriate legal action to gain vacant possession of the property and offer suitable alternative accommodation.

24.8    WHBC reserves the right to make two direct offers of suitable accommodation if the tenant is not bidding for appropriate accommodation and the said accommodation is available. 

24.9    WHBC will provide carpet, white goods and blinds, where the items cannot be removed from the tenants' permanent home. It will be up to WHBC to decide whether to gift the items if the tenancy is permanently moved to the temporary decant address.

24.10   This policy cannot cover all circumstances, and WHBC will exercise its discretion in making any further offers of accommodation or assistance where exceptional circumstances warrant it.